Aloe Vera Perfection Print E-mail
Aloe vera is a beautiful plant that graces many bathroom vanity tops, and its skin-soothing benefits make it a popular addition to the body creams and lotions found in virtually every bathroom cabinet.  But aloe vera's countless attributes have earned this powerful plant the right to bust out of the bath.

The aloe vera plant is said to have originated in Africa, where there are several names for it.  In North America, aloe vera is also called "medicine plant", "lily of the desert", and the "plant of immortality".  The bitter liquid found within the leaves of the plant lead some to believe that the world "aloe" is likely derived from the Arabic term "alloeh", meaning "bitter".

There are five hundred known species of aloe vera grown in climates around the world.  The plant has been used for centuries, and can be traced to ancient Greek, Spanish, and Arabian cultures.  African hunters still use the gel contained in aloe vera leaves to reduce perspiration and enhance body scent.

The gel and latex are the two main products derived from aloe vera plants.  Within the leaves of the aloe plant is the leaf pulp.  A thin, clear jelly-like substance is extracted from the parenchymal tissues that make up the inner parts of the aloe leaf.  The gel is composed of several organic and inorganic compounds including carbohydrate polymers, glucomannans and peptic acid.  The latex taken from aloe vera is commonly known as the "aloe juice", a bitter yellow substance that comes from the pericyclic tubules found just beneath the outer skin of the leaves.  Aloe vera consumers readily use both latex and gel.

Since ancient times, aloe vera has been highly respected for its many medicinal benefits.  Researchers have shown that the clear gel held within the leaves has the capability to heal wounds, ulcers, and serious burns.  A thin amount applied to the affected area can create a protective coating and increase the rate of healing.  Many people create soothing sunburn and skin irritation remedies by removing the thin outer skin of the leaves and processing the pulp in a blender.  Add 500 units of vitamin C to the mixture and keep it stored in the refrigerator.

Given all of the health benefits of aloe vera, it's surprising that ninety-six percent of the plant is composed of water. The remaining four percent is a goldmine of active ingredients including amino acids, minerals, essential oils, enzymes, vitamins and glycoproteins.  Since the 1930s, contemporary doctors have used aloe vera to treat wounds, burns and ulcers.  Many medicinal lotions, ointments and tonics include aloe juice combined with other herbs and plant derivatives.  Aloe vera juice is also used to calm peptic ulcers, colitis and other digestive tract irritations.

Aloe vera has a place in the kitchen as well.  Extract is taken as a food supplement to facilitate digestion, help with gall bladder and kidney function, and aid in blood and lymphatic circulation.

Soothing relief, powerful healing properties and lasting beauty.  With so many benefits, the ancient aloe vera just might be nature's perfect plant.
 
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